In the general election in the Netherlands, the free-market VVD party has come first, beating the Dutch Labour Party by one seat. The anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, came third, more than doubling its seats.

BBC Online readers from across the Netherlands have been sending us their thoughts. Here is a selection of their comments:

It's a very sad day in Dutch history. I am extremely shocked by the immense victory of the PVV. Wilders has persuaded a huge part of the Dutch population to vote for hate and fear. The Netherlands has been a tolerant country throughout history, a country to be proud of. But now I am ashamed; especially when I look at the people who were cheering. It reminds me more of a football match than politics.

Selma, Amsterdam

I'm 33 and I voted for the first time yesterday, because I want to see things change in The Netherlands. I voted for Wilders, and I'm glad he got 24 seats.

Jacquelien, Tilburg

I'm pretty happy about the results. Geert Wilders, who is controversial, has deserved his victory by always speaking his mind in favour of the underclass and for the preservation of Dutch culture. The only problem will be building a coalition. It's almost impossible, at least four parties seem necessary. I'm hoping for a centre-right government.

Raymond, Haarlem

Muslims who adapt to the culture of Holland can stay without any problems. Hennie van Daal, Amsterdam

We were a tolerant and free country but I fear that this might change if the Freedom Party gets to rule. I am deeply ashamed today to be Dutch and hope that the world will still see that people who do not agree with Geert Wilders far outnumber the people that do.

Remmelt Schaafsma, Utrecht

What a night. It was close for so long, and still is. One of my worst-case scenarios has come true. Wilders has 24 seats, it's truly a disaster. Even worse now that Rutte has announced that the PVV is the first in line for talks with for the coalition.

Jelmer, Andijk

In this election, the clear winner is right wing PVV because the party boss, Geert Wilders, has been able to present his racists views along with the economic crisis. He put most of the blame on foreigners, and of course on Muslims. The other laissez faire party, the VVD, was quick to take the pro-business stand and get votes. Other moderate parties had leadership problems, and also were disorganised. The end result is it's either a right-wing coalition government, or else a weak right-left alliance marred with infighting, and moreover the multicultural harmony may also be in question.

R Swonti Shrestha, Amsterdam

Image caption
Mark Rutte could become the first PM from his political camp since World War I

What this election shows once again is that in recent years more and more smaller parties take a share of the parliament seats, which makes it more and more difficult to form coalitions, leading to more disputes which causes an unstable government. I'm afraid this trend will go on, and eventually we'll have to think about changing how democracy works in the Netherlands, perhaps giving the largest party in the elections the majority of seats in parliament, so there is no need anymore for coalitions.

Anonymous, Enschede

Many people see the problems on the streets in Holland and want them solved. Wilders wants to limit mass-immigration, limit the building of mosques and limit the money for Europe. He also wants hard punishments for criminals and more 'barbarian' circumstances in jail. On the other hand he wants to give more money for the care of older people and more money to guarantee safety on the streets. Muslims who adapt to the culture of Holland can stay without any problems. But Muslims who are criminals or radicals would have to hand in their Dutch passports.